a nice
girl."

Then the squire produced a photograph of Emily Dunstable which his
nephew had sent to him, and they all pronounced her to be very
pretty, to be very much like a lady, and to be very good-humoured.
The squire was evidently pleased with the match, and therefore the
ladies were pleased also. Bernard Dale was the heir to the estate,
and his marriage was of course a matter of moment; and as on such
properties as that of Allington money is always wanted, the squire
may be forgiven for the great importance which he attached to the
young lady's fortune. "Bernard could hardly have married prudently
without any money," he said,--"unless he had chosen to wait till I am
gone."

[Illustration: They pronounced her to be very much like a Lady.]

"And then he would have been too old to marry at all," said Lily.

But the squire's budget of news had not yet been emptied. He told
them soon afterwards that he himself had been summoned up to London.
Bernard had written to him, begging him to come and see the young
lady; and the family lawyer had written also, saying that his
presence in town would be very desirable. "It is very troublesome,
of course; but I shall go," said the squire. "It will do you all the
good in the world," said Mrs. Dale; "and of course you ought to know
her personally before the marriage." And then the squire made a clean
breast of it and declared his full purpose. "I was thinking that,
perhaps, Lily would not object to go up to London with me."

"Oh, uncle Christopher, I should so like it," said Lily.

"If your mamma does not object."

"Mamma never objects to anything. I should like to see her objecting
to that!" And Lily shook her head at her mother.

"Bernard says that Miss Dunstable particularly wants to see you."

"Does she, indeed? And I particularly want to see Miss Dunstable.
How nice! Mamma, I don't think I've ever been in London since I wore
short frocks. Do you remember taking us to the pantomime? Only think
how many years ago that is. I'm quite sure it's time that Bernard
should get married. Uncle, I hope you're prepared to take me to the
play."

"We must see about that!"

"And the opera, and Madame Tussaud, and the Horticultural Gardens,
and the new conjuror who makes a woman lie upon nothing. The idea
of my going to London! And then I suppose I shall be one of the
bridesmaids. I declare a new vista of life is opening out to me!
Mamma, you mustn't be dull while I'm away. It